Tube Preamp with Solid State Amp?

Yesterday I went to a local dealer to hear the Primaluna Evo 400 integrated after reading many reviews on tube amps. I have never had nor heard an audio tube amp. Having played guitar for years, I had expected the difference in sound to be as noticeable with audio amps, and hear the three dimensional effect described and the same I hear with my guitar amps. Sadly I was not hearing anything g special whatsoever, it was just sound coming from the speakers. Not bad sound, but nothing special in any way, and certainly not a tube sound as I was expecting. So I asked to hear what else they had. Next was an Ocatve 70 series integrated. I did notice the soundstage seemed to come forward and create a bit of a wall at about the from of the speakers. I liked the difference over the Primaluna, but other than this, again, nothing special. Next they had the McIntosh MA352, a hybrid with tube preamp and solid state amp stage. This sounded much clearer, as if you removed a towel you had blanketed over the speakers with the previous amps, by comparison. There was a sense of greater power behind every note as well, and much lower background levels. I could hear much more detail than the all tube amps, and there was just no comparison. I was listening on a pair of stand mount Sonus Faders at the start, then another customer came that was wanting to hear the Klipsch Heresy IV. ( I preferred the Sonus Fabers and the other client did seem to like them as well) i had been listening to classic rock, and he asked for some Miles Davis. I noticed with the Mac that the highs were very forward on this piece, and when we listened with the Primaluna that was more balanced. The Mac does have an eq, though we did not adjust it to see the difference. The other client thought the Primaluna sounded special, which I at no point felt that way. Just goes to show that only your ears can tell you the story. I ordered the MA352 in the end, remembering the thoughts in this thread about tube preamps and ss amps. The Mac can later be used as just a preamp with other amps should I chose. One thing I know little about though, would nos tubes improve things in the preamp.

Hi John,Over the years, I've tried all sorts of systems, all tubes was very good, solid state was also very good. I think it depends on the quality of your equipment and your room and importantly on the music you enjoy. I don't think there is any one right way. Right now I use a solid state Amp, a McIntosh MC452 and a McIntosh tube pre C2600. Try what appeals to you, just be sure to buy from a dealer that has a good return policy.Enjoy the music.Joe

Yep. Excellent way to combine tube sound with solid state grunt and power. This is what I did. Vincent Audio tube preamp; Marantz mono blocks. 

A class A single ended integrated amp (sugden) paired with a Tubed phono stage ( tavish design) sounds simply divine through some Tannoys...

Mildly OT:  does anyone know what brand 12AU7s VTL uses in the 6.5 II preamp?  Much thanks.